Bobby Jindal endorses Rick Perry for president

Washington, Sep 13 (IANS) Louisiana’s Indian American Governor Bobby Jindal has come out in support of Texas Governor Rick Perry for his Republican party’s nomination to challenge President Barack Obama in the 2012 election.

Announcing the endorsement Monday night, Jindal praised Perry for his record on job creation, which he presented as a “stark contrast” from President Obama’s record in the area.

“Rick Perry is the candidate who can lead our party to victory in 2012,” Jindal said in the statement. “His record on job creation simply cannot be beat, and the one million jobs he’s helped create as governor is a stark contrast to the 2.4 million jobs lost on President Obama’s watch.”

“President Obama promised hope, but he simply hasn’t delivered. Rick Perry will bring our country more than hope - he’ll get America working again,” he said.

Expressing his appreciation for Jindal’s endorsement, Perry said: “I truly appreciate Governor Jindal’s endorsement because he is a leader who knows what it takes to rebuild an economy and restore people’s confidence.”

“His efforts to cut taxes and reduce unreasonable regulations are helping the Louisiana economy grow, and that is exactly what I aim to do for America. I look forward to continuing to work with him throughout this campaign, and with his help, we’ll get America working again.”

Word of Jindal’s endorsement came just hours after former Republican candidate Tim Pawlenty announced his support for former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, the candidate widely perceived as Perry’s main rival for the party nomination.

Meanwhile, at a CNN/Tea Party debate in Tampa, Florida, Perry’s rivals for the Republican presidential nomination aggressively sought to undermine his conservative credentials.

Perry repeatedly found himself in the crosshairs, as the field of candidates took turns attacking his positions on illegal immigration, social security and his controversial 2007 push to vaccinate Texas schoolgirls against human papillomavirus, a common sexually transmitted that can lead to cervical cancer.